The “Coffee Cup” Method Job Interviewers Use to Test You

A dream vacation turned into heartbreak before it even began not at the airport, but right at home. One mom reached out to us after a tense family argument spiraled out of control, leaving hurt feelings, a missed flight, and a growing distance between loved ones. Now, she’s wondering if a single condition pushed her stepdaughter too far, or if the damage runs deeper.
Hi Bright Side,
My husband, my two kids from a previous marriage, and I had planned a luxurious overseas vacation. It was expensive, carefully planned, and meant to bring the whole family together. I invited my 16-year-old stepdaughter to join us under one condition: she would share a room with our 3-year-old son and help keep an eye on him during the trip.
That’s when she snapped: “You’re just making me the babysitter because I’m not your real kid!”
I was stunned and hurt. I calmly replied, “If that’s how you feel, maybe you should stay home then.” I didn’t mean to exclude her—I just didn’t know what else to say.
The next morning, just hours before our flight, I went into my son’s room and froze. I found his clothes scattered all over the floor and every suitcase unpacked. I immediately knew who had done it.
I confronted my stepdaughter, and she lashed out again, saying we always prioritize my kids and treat her like an afterthought. Despite my efforts to talk calmly, the tension only escalated. In the chaos, we missed our flight. Rebooking cost a fortune, and the joyful energy we had around the trip was completely lost.
Since then, my husband and I have been caught in a cycle of blame and silence. I love my stepdaughter and truly want to rebuild trust, but I’m heartbroken by how things unfolded. I keep wondering — did I ask too much, or is she struggling with something deeper?
I want to fix this, but I don’t know how.
Sincerely,
Rachel
💬 Example: “I never wanted you to feel left out. I wanted us to have this time together because you’re part of this family, too, not because I expect you to take care of anyone.”
📝 Tip: Let her help choose part of the itinerary, or pick fun moments just for her, so she knows she’s wanted, not used.
👥 Try this: “Can we talk—just the two of us? I need to know we’re on the same side before we figure out how to reconnect with her.”
💬 What to say: “I was really hurt by what happened, but I also want to understand what’s going on. You matter to us, and I want to work through this with you.”
Blended families face unique challenges, especially around communication and identity. If emotions are still running high or miscommunication keeps happening, involving a family counselor—even for just a few sessions—can provide tools to move forward. It’s not about assigning blame but giving everyone a safe space to be heard.
Before you go, don’t miss our next article about Lauren Sánchez’s lavish wedding to Jeff Bezos, which has sparked a flurry of online chatter. While the $50 million Venice ceremony was packed with A-list guests and high fashion, it’s Sánchez’s bridal gown that’s drawing comparisons to Kate Middleton’s iconic 2011 royal wedding dress.